scholarly journals Heart-brain connections: phenotypic and genetic insights from 40,000 cardiac and brain magnetic resonance images

Author(s):  
Bingxin Zhao ◽  
Tengfei Li ◽  
Zirui Fan ◽  
Yue Yang ◽  
Xifeng Wang ◽  
...  

Cardiovascular health interacts with cognitive and psychological health in complex ways. Yet, little is known about the phenotypic and genetic links of heart-brain systems. Using cardiac and brain magnetic resonance imaging (CMR and brain MRI) data from over 40,000 UK Biobank subjects, we developed detailed analyses of the structural and functional connections between the heart and the brain. CMR measures of the cardiovascular system were strongly correlated with brain basic morphometry, structural connectivity, and functional connectivity after controlling for body size and body mass index. The effects of cardiovascular risk factors on the brain were partially mediated by cardiac structures and functions. Using 82 CMR traits, genome-wide association study identified 80 CMR-associated genomic loci (P < 6.09 * 10^{-10}), which were colocalized with a wide spectrum of heart and brain diseases. Genetic correlations were observed between CMR traits and brain-related complex traits and disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anorexia nervosa, stroke, cognitive function, and neuroticism. Our results reveal a strong heart-brain connection and the shared genetic influences at play, advancing a multi-organ perspective on human health and clinical outcomes.

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuna Chen ◽  
Yongsheng Pan ◽  
Shangyu Kang ◽  
Junshen Lu ◽  
Xin Tan ◽  
...  

Diabetes with high blood glucose levels may damage the brain nerves and thus increase the risk of dementia. Previous studies have shown that dementia can be reflected in altered brain structure, facilitating computer-aided diagnosis of brain diseases based on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-mediated changes in the brain structures have not yet been studied, and only a few studies have focused on the use of brain MRI for automated diagnosis of T2DM. Hence, identifying MRI biomarkers is essential to evaluate the association between changes in brain structure and T2DM as well as cognitive impairment (CI). The present study aims to investigate four methods to extract features from MRI, characterize imaging biomarkers, as well as identify subjects with T2DM and CI.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Osama Othman Mohammed Ambarak ◽  
Abtehag A. Taib ◽  
Mohammad A. Abdalla ◽  
Alsanussi Elsherif ◽  
Azza S H Greiw

Background: The fourth ventricle is one of the components of the ventricular system in the brain, along with the lateral and third ventricles. The ventricular size is considered as a potential indicator in determination of many brain diseases. There are dimensional differences between males and females which appeared larger in males. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the radiological dimensions of fourth ventricle and to assess their relationship with gender and age. Subjects and methods: Brain Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) of 100 patients (44 males and 56 females) were examined. The dimensions of the fourth ventricle were estimated. Additionally, the variation with sex and age were also described. After collection and checking of data, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data entry and analysis. Results: The AP length of 4th ventricle of all patients ranged from 6.5-13.9 mm with mean (± SD) 10.67 ± 1.66 mm. In females, it ranged from 6.5-13.9 mm with mean (± SD) 10.48 ± 1.76 mm while in males; it ranged from 7-13.9 mm with mean (± SD) 10.92 ± 1.51 mm. The mean of 4th ventricle AP length of males were comparatively higher than females. Similarly, the 4th ventricle width of all patients ranged from 8.7-16.1 mm with mean (± SD) 12.06 ± 1.41 mm. In females, it ranged from 8.7-14.6 mm with mean (± SD) 11.85 ± 1.32 mm while in males; it ranged from 9.1-16.1 mm with mean (± SD) 12.32 ± 1.48 mm. The study showed that width of fourth ventricle was more than the AP length and both were greater in males than in females. AP length and width showed negative correlation with age. Conclusion: The normal reference values of ventricles obtained from MRI are necessary to form the baseline data for interpreting pathological changes, planning surgery, and determining presence and progress of some neurological diseases. Furthermore, the dimension of fourth ventricle should be taken into consideration during radiological reports and during clinical examination.


2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
José A Cabrera-Gómez ◽  
L Quevedo-Sotolongo ◽  
A González-Quevedo ◽  
S Lima ◽  
Y Real-González ◽  
...  

Background Some studies showed abnormalities in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of relapsing neuromyelitis optica (R-NMO) from 12 to 46%. These abnormalities are described as compatible/non-compatible with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To describe the abnormal brain MRI lesions in R-NMO with imaging studies conducted with more sensitive white matter change techniques. Methods Thirty patients with R-NMO were selected. All MRI brain studies were performed with a 1.5-T Siemens MRI system according to the Standardized MR Imaging Protocol for Multiple Sclerosis from the Consortium of MS Centers Consensus Guidelines. Results Brain MRI images were evaluated in 29 R-NMO cases because in one case the MRI images were not appropriate for the study. Of these 29 brain MRI studies, 19 cases (65.5%) had at least one or more lesions (1–57) and 10 were negative (34.4%). Brain MRI findings in 19 cases were characterized in T2/fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) by the presence of subcortical/deep white matter lesions in 16 (84.2%) cases (1–50), most of them < 3 mm and without juxtacortical localization. Periventricular lesions were observed in 13 (68.4%) cases, but morphologically they were not oval, ovoid or perpendicularly orientated. Infratentorial lesions, all >3 mm, were observed in 4 (21.05%) cases without cerebellar involvement. T1 studies demonstrated absence of hypointense regions. Optic nerve enhancement was observed in 6/19 patients (31.5%). None of the brain MRI abnormalities observed were compatible with Barkhof et al. criteria of MS. Conclusions This study, based on a Cuban patient population, with long duration of disease, good sample size and detailed characterization by MRI, demonstrated the brain MRI pattern of R-NMO patients, which is different from MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 186–192. http://msj.sagepub.com


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomer Stern ◽  
Liora Kornreich ◽  
Hadassa Goldberg

Abstract Background We aimed to find the clinical significance of brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in epilepsy and the lateralization of these findings with electroencephalogram (EEG). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the results of all EEGs and brain MRIs of 600 consecutive epilepsy patients from 1998 to 2020. Results Data were available for 563 cases (267 females). Ninety percent of the patients were 18 years old or younger. A total of 345 patients (61.3%) had focal epilepsy, 180 (32%), generalized, and 38 (6.7%), inconclusive. In 187 (33.2%), the first MRI was abnormal and in 81 (out of 108 repeated MRI), the second was pathological. The most frequent brain abnormalities were cortical dysplasia in 41 (18.1%), other structural abnormalities in 25 (11%), various phacomatoses in 23 (10.1%), and mesial temporal sclerosis in 17 (7.5%). Among 226 patients with abnormal MRI, 171 (75.6%) had focal epilepsy when compared with 36 (15.9%) with generalized epilepsy (p <0.001). In 121 patients (53.5%), the result of the abnormal MRI contributed significantly to the understanding of the epilepsy etiology. The side of abnormality was lateralized to the EEG focus in 120 cases (53%); in 10/15 cases with infantile spasms (66%), MRI was significantly abnormal. In 33, in whom the first MRI was normal, a second MRI revealed a significant abnormality. Conclusion Brain MRI is an important tool in epilepsy diagnosis, mainly in focal seizures and infantile spasms. A repeat MRI is mandatory in intractable focal cases to improve the yield of this test.


Author(s):  
Neelu Desai ◽  
Rahul Badheka ◽  
Nitin Shah ◽  
Vrajesh Udani

AbstractReversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) has been well described in adults, but pediatric cases are yet under recognized. We describe two children with RCVS and review similar already published pediatric cases. The first patient was a 10-year-old girl who presented with severe headaches and seizures 3 days after blood transfusion. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed changes compatible with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance angiogram showed diffuse vasoconstriction of multiple cerebral arteries. The second patient was a 9-year-old boy who presented with severe thunderclap headaches. Brain MRI showed isolated intraventricular hemorrhage. Computed tomography/MR angiogram and digital subtraction angiogram were normal. A week later, he developed focal neurological deficits. Repeated MR angiogram showed diffuse vasospasm of multiple intracranial arteries. Both children recovered completely. A clinico-radiological review of previously reported childhood RCVS is provided.


Author(s):  
Thu Hien Trinh Thi

TÓM TẮT U mỡ trong xương là khối u lành tính hiếm gặp, thường gặp ở các xương dẹt, hiếm gặp ở xương nền sọ, đặc biệt là xương bướm. Trong đa số các trường hợp, u mỡ trong xương bướm thường được phát hiện tình cờ qua chụp cắt lớp vi tinh (CLVT) hoặc cộng hưởng từ (CHT) sọ não. Đây là một khối u phát triển chậm, ít gây ra triệu chứng, một số trường hợp gây triệu chứng khi khối u to chèn ép vào cấu trúc lân cận như tuyến yên hoặc dây thần kinh thị. Trong bài này, chúng tôi báo cáo một trường hợp u mỡ trong xương bướm không triệu chứng được phát hiện tình cờ và được chẩn đoán dựa vào phim chụp cộng hưởng từ sọ não. Bệnh nhân được khuyến nghị theo dõi định kỳ bằng cộng hưởng từ mà không phải tiến hành bất kỳ phương pháp điều trị nào. Từ khóa: U mỡ, xương bướm, MRI, cộng hưởng từ sọ não, chẩn đoán hình ảnh. ABSTRACT INTRAOSSEOUS LIPOMA OF SPHENOID BONE: A RARE CASE REVIEW Intraosseous lipoma is very rare, usually benign tumor of flat bones. The incidence of an intraosseous lipomalocated basal skull bones is extremely rare, especially in sphenoid bone. Radiological imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used to detect the intraosseous lipoma by accident. These tumors are slow growing and usually asymptomatic, in some cases causing symptoms when the large tumor presses on nearby structures such as pituitary gland or the optic nerve. We present a rare case of lipomaof the sphenoid bone discovered incidentally with brain magnetic resonance imaging. The patient has been followed-up by magnetic resonance imaging without the need for surgery. Keywords: Intraosseous lipoma, sphenoid bone, MRI, brain MRI, diagnostic radiology


Author(s):  
Aliya Allahwala ◽  
Sibtain Ahmed ◽  
Bushra Afroze

Abstract Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder, caused by branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKD) deficiency, leading to toxic accumulation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) including leucine, isoleucine and valine and their corresponding ?-ketoacids. The diagnosis of MSUD is based on elevated BCAAs and allo-isoleucine in plasma, and branched-chain hydroxyacids and ketoacids in urine. The identification of alloisoleucine >5 µmol/L is considered pathognomonic. Moreover, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing atypical signal intensity and oedema is characteristic of MSUD. Recognition of the classical neuro-radiological findings of MSUD is particularly useful in local settings as many healthcare facilities lack the resources to measure Plasma Amino Acids (PAA). We report three cases of MSUD, in whom the disorder was strongly suspected at presentation, based on classical brain MRI findings, which was urgently confirmed by PAA analysis Continuous...


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faizan Zarreen Simnani ◽  
Dibyangshee Singh ◽  
Anmol Choudhury ◽  
Ansab Akhtar

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic has been depicted to possess a robust association with psychological disorders. SARS-CoV-2 is the most recent virus of the coronavirus family and has the potential to bind angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptor. The receptor is majorly present peripherally, and up to some extent in the brain. Different psychological and neurodegenerative disorders can arise due to peripheral origin of destruction. These triggers could be inflammatory pathways releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines reaching the brain and causing neuroinflammation. In continuation with traditional viruses, SARS-CoV-2 too might lead to brain diseases like meningitis, encephalitis, etc. Besides, several peripheral hormonal changes like cortisol can influence the neurochemical alterations, thereby inflicting mood-related activities and psychological phenomenon. In this regard, health care workers, frontline line worriers, family and relatives of COVID-19 patients can be the secondary victims; however, patients with COVID-19 themselves remain the primary ones prone to neurological health problems. Several strategies like socialization, engagement, physical activity, etc. are well-opted measures to get relief from and check the psychiatric disturbances.


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